Vladimir Putin
Putin calls for use of troops in Ukraine – CNN
CNNSimferopol, Ukraine (CNN) — [Breaking News Update 9:22 a.m. ET]. (CNN) — Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the upper house of parliament to send Russian troops into Ukraine’s Crimea region to normalize the political situation…
Crimea’s Leader Cements Power, Asks Moscow’s Help – ABC News
ABC NewsThe pro-Russian prime minister of Ukraine’s Crimea region claimed control of the military and police there Saturday and appealed to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin for help in keeping peace, sharpening the discord between the…
What’s next for Winter Olympics after Sochi? – The Japan Times
The Japan TimesSOCHI, RUSSIA – The sheer cost, size and scale of the Sochi Olympics has outstripped anything done before. The question for future Winter Games is clear: Can anyone — should anyone — try…
Ukraine crisis: Crimea leader appeals to Putin for help – BBC News
BBC NewsThe new pro-Moscow leader of Ukraine’s autonomous Crimea region has asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for help to ensure peace. A Kremlin source said it would “not leave unnoticed” the request from Sergiy Aksyonov….
Obama warns Russia of ‘costs’ for intervention in Ukraine – Reuters
ReutersWASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama warned Russia on Friday that military intervention in Ukraine would lead to “costs,” as tension with old foe President Vladimir Putin rose in a Cold War-style crisis. “We are…
As it happened: Ukraine turmoil – BBC News
BBC NewsHello and welcome to the BBC’s coverage of the political turmoil in Ukraine, as tensions rise over Russia’s response to the crisis. Steve Rosenberg BBC News, Kiev. tweets: On the floor of the Ukrainian…
US urges caution as Putin orders military drill – USA TODAY
USA TODAYKIEV, Ukraine – The United States urged Russia on Wednesday to avoid provocative actions after President Vladimir Putin ordered troops to combat readiness drills near Ukraine, where pro-Russian protesters are fighting with rivals in…
Vigilante units to defend Crimea city against ‘fascist’ threat from Kiev – Telegraph.co.uk
Telegraph.co.uk… with Vladimir Putin in the past – are far from alone. The newly installed mayor of Sebastopol has announced the formation of vigilante “self defence” units in a bid to protect the ethnic Russian…
NSA accused of further spying on Germans – Irish Examiner
Irish ExaminerThe NSA has stepped up its surveillance of senior German government officials since being ordered by Barack Obama to halt its spying on chancellor Angela Merkel, Bild am Sonntag reported yesterday. Frank-Walter Steinmeier: Doubts…
Russia to increase defense and security capabilities – President Putin – The Voice of Russia
The Voice of RussiaRussia will continue to increase the potential of its Armed Forces and all security forces, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting marking Defender of the Fatherland Day, which is traditionally celebrated…
Pussy Riot ‘attacked with horsewhips’at Sochi – Hindustan Times
Hindustan TimesCossack militia attacked Russia’s Pussy Riot punk group with horsewhips on Wednesday as the artists – who have feuded with Vladimir Putin’s government for years – tried to perform under a sign advertising the…
Russia survives Norway, advances to face Finland – ESPN
ESPNBut this imperfect, top-heavy Russian team faces incalculable pressure in Sochi, with everyone from President Vladimir Putin on down eagerly anticipating a medal run in the nation’s first home Winter Olympics. Although Norway was unexpectedly…
Kiszla: Karma at work in US win over Russia – Denver Post
Kiszla: Karma at work in US win over RussiaDenver Post(AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post). SOCHI — In the greatest heist in Olympic hockey history, the U.S. men skated off with a 3-2 shootout victory on…
For US and Russia Olympians, the Cold War is ancient history – Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles TimesSOCHI, Russia — The conversation was short, limited to basic words and gestures. But the two bobsledders — one Russian, one American — understood each other. “Was good?” Alexander Kasjanov asked, pointing toward…
Russia President Putin encounters Sochi leopard cubs – BBC News
BBC NewsRussian President Vladimir Putin has taken senior Olympics officials on a tour of a Persian leopard sanctuary ahead of the Winter Games in Sochi. He tried to calm one leopard cub, which had become…
Putin at Olympics, Co-Starring a Persian Leopard – ABC News
ABC NewsVladimir Putin, rugged outdoorsman and tough-guy Russian president, promoted a cuddly image Tuesday as his Olympics drew near. Putin checked in at a preserve for endangered Persian leopards and visited a group of cubs…
Putin: Russia Will Honor Ukraine Loan, Energy Deals – RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
RadioFreeEurope/RadioLibertyRussian President Vladimir Putin (left to right), European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso address a joint news conference in Brussels on January 28. Tweet
Putin, EU Presidents Meet in Rapid-Fire Summit – Wall Street Journal
Wall Street JournalBRUSSELS—Russian President Vladimir Putin held a rapid-fire summit in Brussels with the European Union’s leadership duo Tuesday with both sides acknowledging serious differences but seeking to steer ties onto a more constructive path….
Sochi mayor claims there are no gay people in the city – SI.com
SI.comVladimir Putin’s stance on gay rights has become a lightning rod ahead of the Olympics. (ALEXEI NIKOLSKY/AFP/Getty Images). Anatoly Pakhomov, the mayor of 2014 Winter Olympics host-city Sochi, said that there are no gay people…
Obama, Putin discuss Olympics security in call – Reuters
ReutersWASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed in a phone call on Tuesday how best to have a “safe and secure” Winter Olympics in Sochi, the White House said. Amid…
Russian Olympic terrorist search sets nerves jangling despite Putin assurances … – Washington Post
Washington PostMOSCOW – President Vladimir Putin has made a daring gamble with the Winter Games in Sochi, guaranteeing they will be safe despite their setting on territory awash in grievance and terror. Olympic officials have…
A Crumbling Sochi Hides Behind Olympic Facades – ABC News
ABC NewsA shining new $635 million highway on the outskirts of Sochi stands next to a crumbling apartment block with a red “SOS!” banner on its roof. The residents of 5a Akatsy street have lived…
Vladimir Putin talks to the Andrew Marr Show – BBC News
BBC NewsVladimir Putin has said he would meet with high profile gay campaigners such as Sir Ian McKellan and Sir Elton John to discuss Russia’s ban on gay “propaganda”. He said: “I am not prejudiced…
Putin to gay visitors: ‘leave the children in peace’ – USA TODAY
USA TODAYSOCHI, Russia (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin sought Friday to reassure gay visitors to the Sochi Games that they are welcome in Russia, but added that they must “leave the children in peace.”…
Olympics chief Thomas Bach: Terrorism must never triumph – USA TODAY
USA TODAYOlympics chief Thomas Bach says terrorism “must never triumph” and believes Russia will deliver “safe and secure” Winter Olympics despite two recent deadly attacks in Volgograd. In his New Year’s message, the president of…
Chechen insurgency leader suspected in Russian bombings – Fox News
Fox NewsMEANWHILE THE DEATH TO RISING TO 34 IN TWO TERROR ATTACKS IN THE RUSSIAN CITY OF VOLGOGRAD. THEY ARE FOCUSING ON INSURGENCY LEADER AS DOKAR UMAROV. KNOWN AS THE USAMA BIN LADEN OF RUSSIA….
Putin vows to annihilate “terrorists” after suicide bombings – Reuters
ReutersVOLGOGRAD, Russia (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday vowed to annihilate “terrorists” following two deadly bomb attacks in less than 24 hours in the southern Russian city of Volgograd that raised security fears ahead…
Volgograd blasts: IOC ‘confident’ Games will be safe – BBC News
BBC NewsThe International Olympic Committee president says he has confidence that Russian authorities will deliver a “safe and secure” Games in Sochi. Thomas Bach wrote to President Vladimir Putin to express condolences for the two…
Pussy Riot still wants to topple Putin – Houston Chronicle
Houston ChronicleMOSCOW (AP) — Two members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot who spent nearly two years in prison for their irreverent protest in Moscow’s main cathedral said Friday they still want to topple…
Pussy Riot still want to topple Putin – Washington Post
Washington PostMOSCOW — Two members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot who spent nearly two years in prison for their irreverent protest in Moscow’s main cathedral say they still want to topple President Vladimir…
Amnestied Pussy Riot pair criticise Putin after release – euronews
euronewsKRASNOYARSK/NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia (Reuters) – Two members of Russian punk protest band Pussy Riot freed from prison on Monday derided President Vladimir Putin’s amnesty that led to their early release as a propaganda stunt and…
Thanks, Putin, But No Thanks: Few Are Grateful for Russia’s Pre-Olympic Amnesty – TIME
TIMERussian President Vladimir Putin grabbed international headlines last week with a pre-Christmas amnesty that included the release of a number of prominent dissidents. Those freed aren’t exactly glowing with praise for Putin, though. By Simon…
Foreign policy expert: Release of Russia punk rock group is publicity stunt – Fox News
Fox NewsThe release of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most prominent critics in recent days is a move to enhance his image overseas, according to foreign policy expert Colonel Cedric Leighton. Two members of Russian punk…
Khodorkovsky: For now, steering clear of Russia and politics – Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles TimesMOSCOW — Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former oil tycoon once considered President Vladimir Putin’s most potent political foe, said Sunday that he had no plans to resume his business or political activities or to…
Khodorkovsky on Putin: ‘They were humane about my family’ – BBC News
BBC NewsMikhail Khodorkovsky has reacted philosophically when asked about his personal feelings towards Russian President Vladimir Putin. The former oil tycoon was released from prison on Friday after serving 10 years for fraud and tax…
Russian oligarch Khodorkovsky reunited with family – USA TODAY
USA TODAYBERLIN (AP) — The former oil baron Mikhail Khodorkovsky was reunited with his family in Berlin on Saturday, a day after being released from a decade-long imprisonment in Russia. Khodorkovsky, a prominent critic of…
Freed Russian tycoon Khodorkovsky reunited with son – BBC News
BBC NewsRussian former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky has been reunited with his son after being freed from jail. A spokesman for Khodorkovsky confirmed the reunion as he spent his first night of freedom in a…
Putin opponent Mikhail Khodorkovsky released from jail – BBC News
BBC NewsThe former tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky has been freed from jail following a decree from President Putin pardoning his former political opponent. Officials say he was released on humanitarian grounds because his mother is ill….
Ex-tycoon Khodorkovsky released from prison – USA TODAY
USA TODAYMOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a decree pardoning jailed tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the man who has been described as his archrival. Khodorkovsky has spent the past 10 years in…